Russia against nuclear war on Iran

Amid the intensified war rhetoric against Tehran, Russian President Dmitry Medvedev warns that an attack on Iran could lead to nuclear war.

In an interview with ABC News, Medvedev said an attack on Iran would be “the worst possible scenario” in the Middle East.

“And if conflict of that kind happens, and a strike is performed, then you can expect anything, including use of nuclear weapons. And nuclear strikes in the Middle East, this means a global catastrophe. Many deaths,” Medvedev said.

Iran says its program is aimed at the civilian applications of nuclear technology.

Israel, the possessor of the Middle East’s sole nuclear arsenal, has repeatedly threatened Iran with the use of force over its nuclear program. The US, meanwhile, has threatened to use nuclear weapons against Iran.

Medvedev added that he was uncertain about Israel having already decided about attacking Iran.

“The Israelis are directing their own policy … the US has seen the proof of that lately,” he said.

Meanwhile, the chief of the Russian General Staff, Nikolai Makarov said Monday any airstrike against Iran by the United States or Israel would be “unacceptable,” RIA Novosti reported.

“This is a last resort that exists in the plans of both the United States and Israel,” General Makarov said.

Iran, while stressing that it believes in diplomacy to resolve the nuclear issue, has warned that it will deliver a crushing response in case of any act of aggression against the country.

Russia, along with China, supports negotiations to resolve the standoff.